(E1) 4 - Gross Topography of the Spinal Cord Flashcards
The conduction pathway lies in the _____
Vertebral foramen
What protects the condiction pathway of the spinal cord?
What is the Decussation of Pyramids?
crossing of the right and left corticospinal tract
Where does the spinal cord begin and end?
What is the lumbar cistern?
Space in between the end of the spinal cord and where the dural sac ends.
What is the filum terminale?
Coccyx - anchors spinal cord and prevents excessive movement
What are the primary curvatures?
Thoracic and Sacral
What are the secondary curvatures?
Cervical (hold head up) and Lumbosacral (crawling)
The vertebral column elicits _____ growth
differential
List the name and numbers of the pairs of spinal nerves
How many cervical nerves/vertebrae are there?
8 cervical nerves and 7 cervical vertebrae
What is techinically the end of the spinal cord?
Conus Medullaris
What are the individual nerves collectively floating in the lumbar system called?
Cauda Equina
What are the 2 components that make up the filum terminale?
What is tethered cord syndrome?
Image: Most common physical exam findings in adult patients with tethered cord syndrome
What is the denticuate ligament?
Made up of pia
- Help prevent excess movement of the SC in the dural sac.
What is a dermatome?
In adults, each spinal nerve maintains it’s relationship with its somite. (neural crest cells and somite)
1-1 relationship
Image: Nerve Distribution
Lumbar Puncture: Where and Why?
L4-L5, CSF Sample
- Need to puncture the dura
Epidural Block: Where and Why?
L3-L5, Administer the anesthesia
-Stay above the dura!!
What does the anterior median fissure contain?
Anterior spinal artery
What does the anterolateral sulcus contain?
Ventral rootlets emerge
What does the anterior funiculus contain?
Asc and Desc tracts (motor and sensory)
